Use of the State Seal

Attorney General's Interpretation on Use of the State Seal

Private individuals can reproduce the State Seal for their own purposes. Minnesota Statute 1.135, subd. 4 (1983 supp.) states that section 1.135 does not "prohibit the enlargement, proportioned reduction, or embossment of the seal for its use in official acts". This suggests that the private enlargement, reduction or embossment of the seal by private citizens is not prohibited.

There are a number of consumer protection statutes that could conceivably prohibit the use of the state seal if it is used to misrepresent the nature of a business (Minnesota Statute 325D.12) or if a person in the course of his business, vocation, or occupation engages in any conduct which creates a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding (Minnesota Statute 325D.44(12)) . In addition in some circumstances, reproduction of the seal may constitute aggravated forgery. See Minnesota Statute 609.626, subd. 1(2). It provides that "whoever, with intent to defraud, falsely makes or alters [an official seal] so that it purports to have been made by another or by himself under an assumed or fictitious name...or by authority of one who did not give such authority, is guilty of aggravated forgery..."